Exterior

Exterior

When Linda and Bruce Trippe bought their quaint little cabin on Alabama's Lake Martin nearly 25 years ago, they had visions of grandchildren whiling away summer afternoons along its shores. But even with five children of their own, never in their wildest dreams did they imagine there would one day be a dozen-plus grandkids (13!) doing just that. Turning the 1950s home into a crowd-pleaser took time, but once the nitty gritty of the renovation was complete, the couple turned to Montgomery-based designer Ashley Gilbreath to infuse the home with style and substance. Ashley's first instinct, to the Trippes' surprise, was to fill it with neutrals and antiques—both of which seemed contradictory to the kid-friendly approach. Neutrals, however, provide the sort of visual relief you'd want in a vacation home (plus: slipcovers!), and "weathered pieces look even better with use and abuse, which makes them perfect for kids," says Ashley, who notes that the home's design is "all about the long game—a place where, someday, the grandchildren will host their own families." (Bet they're gonna need more bunk beds.)

Jean Allsopp

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Kitchen

Kitchen

To temper the "newly renovated" feel of a kitchen that's just that, the Trippes selected Shaker-style alderwood cabinets in two colorways (note the black distressed cabinets below the sink alongside the white lowers featuring bronze bin pulls). Tattered black leather chairs and an antique refectory table provide a comfortable place to break cornbread (baked in the cast-iron stove; see far left). Buffalo-check curtains, an antler lamp, and a toleware tray round out the room with decidedly country (and neutral) elements.

Living Room

Living Room

While a neutral palette keeps the focus on the view, leafy motifs on living room throw pillows add some pattern. Also in keeping with the outside-in approach: a duo of duck decoys and a pair of aviary hangings from a French schoolhouse.

Exterior

When Linda and Bruce Trippe bought their quaint little cabin on Alabama's Lake Martin nearly 25 years ago, they had visions of grandchildren whiling away summer afternoons along its shores. But even with five children of their own, never in their wildest dreams did they imagine there would one day be a dozen-plus grandkids (13!) doing just that. Turning the 1950s home into a crowd-pleaser took time, but once the nitty gritty of the renovation was complete, the couple turned to Montgomery-based designer Ashley Gilbreath to infuse the home with style and substance. Ashley's first instinct, to the Trippes' surprise, was to fill it with neutrals and antiques—both of which seemed contradictory to the kid-friendly approach. Neutrals, however, provide the sort of visual relief you'd want in a vacation home (plus: slipcovers!), and "weathered pieces look even better with use and abuse, which makes them perfect for kids," says Ashley, who notes that the home's design is "all about the long game—a place where, someday, the grandchildren will host their own families." (Bet they're gonna need more bunk beds.)

Jean Allsopp

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Kitchen

To temper the "newly renovated" feel of a kitchen that's just that, the Trippes selected Shaker-style alderwood cabinets in two colorways (note the black distressed cabinets below the sink alongside the white lowers featuring bronze bin pulls). Tattered black leather chairs and an antique refectory table provide a comfortable place to break cornbread (baked in the cast-iron stove; see far left). Buffalo-check curtains, an antler lamp, and a toleware tray round out the room with decidedly country (and neutral) elements.

Living Room

While a neutral palette keeps the focus on the view, leafy motifs on living room throw pillows add some pattern. Also in keeping with the outside-in approach: a duo of duck decoys and a pair of aviary hangings from a French schoolhouse.

Sitting Area

During renovation, the Trippes uncovered original heart-pine walls, as well as heart-pine rafters pristinely preserved above the drop-down ceiling. They embraced both but opted to whitewash the walls to brighten things up while still allowing rustic details like knotty holes and imperfections to shine through. Other timeless elements round out the reading nook, including a fireplace constructed from local fieldstone, a cowhide rug, a plaid thrift-store rattan chair, and a cast-iron stove (complete with an oven drawer for cornbread!).

Master Bedroom

In the master, Ashley went "all in with a cocoon-like vibe" with an upholstered headboard and floor-to-ceiling draperies without skimping on storage: An old pie safe serves up a stylish place for lakeside reading.

Porch

A steady breeze and stellar views make this spot the most popular "room" in the house. Again, to avoid competing with the scenery, Ashley kept the decor to a minimum save for a bentwood table and chairs, all painted in Rosy Apple by Benjamin Moore, which reinforces the orangey-red thread throughout the home. The floors are coated in a durable patio paint (Gargoyle by Benjamin Moore). The result: an understated space that encourages screen time of the old-fashioned variety.

Jean Allsopp

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Backyard

Homeowner Linda Trippe (right) with daughter Kimberly and two of her 13 grandchildren.